Image display apparatus and method of operating the same

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are an image display apparatus and a method of operating the same. The method of operating the image display apparatus includes entering a camera mode, acquiring a captured image on a per lens position basis via position shift of a single lens included in a camera module according to the camera mode, storing the acquired captured image on a per lens position basis, displaying at least one of a plurality of stored captured images according to an image view mode, and displaying any one image focused on at least one area in the displayed captured image when the at least one area is selected. This method may enhance user convenience.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an image display apparatus and a methodof operating the same, and more particularly to an image displayapparatus, which may regulate focusing using a camera module having asingle lens, and a method of operating the image display apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

Cameras, which acquire certain images, i.e. videos and still images byphotographing subjects, are gradually reducing in size, and areincreasingly included in image display apparatuses, such as mobileterminals, PDAs, laptop computers, and the like.

Researches for methods to acquire and restore high quality images whileachieving reduction in the size and thickness of a camera have becomeactive.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Technical Problem

It is one object of the present invention to provide an image displayapparatus, which may enhance user convenience, and a method of operatingthe same.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an imagedisplay apparatus, which may regulate focusing using a camera modulehaving a single lens, and a method of operating the same.

Solution to Problem

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the above andother objects can be accomplished by the provision of a method ofoperating an image display apparatus, the method including entering acamera mode, acquiring a captured image on a per lens position basis viaposition shift of a single lens included in a camera module according tothe camera mode, storing the acquired captured image on a per lensposition basis, displaying at least one of a plurality of storedcaptured images according to an image view mode, and displaying any oneimage focused on at least one area in the displayed captured image whenthe at least one area is selected.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an image display apparatus including a camera module includinga single lens, an image sensor configured to convert a light signalintroduced through the single lens into an electric signal, and a lensmovement unit configured to shift a position of the single lens forregulation of a focal distance, a processor configured to acquire acaptured image on a per lens position basis via position shift of thesingle lens included in the camera module according to a camera mode, amemory unit configured to store the acquired captured image on a perlens position basis, and a display unit configured to display at leastone of a plurality of stored captured images according to an image viewmode and to display any one image focused on the at least one area inthe displayed captured image when the at least one area is selected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating image capture by a mobile terminal as oneexample of an image display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2A is a view illustrating acquisition of images depending onmovement of a lens included in a camera module of the mobile terminalshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a view illustrating focusing movement depending on selectionof an area in an image displayed on the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal as one example of animage display apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 3viewed from the front side;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal shown in FIG.4;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of acamera module shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an imagedisplay apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;and

FIGS. 8 to 18 are reference views explaining various examples of amethod of operating an image display apparatus of FIG. 7.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

An image display apparatus, as described herein, may be an image displayapparatus, which is equipped with a camera module having a single lens,or which enables data exchange with a camera module having a singlelens. Thus, such an image display apparatus may function to acquire animage on a per lens position basis via position shift of a single lens,and store the acquired image on a per lens position basis.

The image display apparatus may be a movable display apparatus, such asa mobile terminal, or a stationary display apparatus, such as a TV,monitor, or the like. Examples of the mobile terminal include a cellularphone, a smart-phone, a notebook computer, a digital broadcastingterminal, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a Portable MultimediaPlayer (PMP), a camera, a navigation system, a tablet computer, and ane-book terminal.

The following description will focus upon on a mobile terminal as oneexample of an image display apparatus.

With respect to constituent elements used in the following description,suffixes “module” and “unit” are given only in consideration of ease inthe preparation of the specification, and do not have or serve asspecially important meanings or roles. Thus, the “module” and “unit” maybe mingled with each other.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating image capture by a mobile terminal as oneexample of an image display apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the mobile terminal 100 may capture an image via acamera module 200 when entering a camera mode.

The drawing illustrates the case in which a first camera module 200 acaptures an image containing a user 50 and a captured image 515 isdisplayed in a camera mode screen 510.

In addition, an optional second camera module 200 b may be provided tocapture an image in a rearward direction of the mobile terminal 100.

As described in the present invention, in the case in which each of thefirst camera module 200 a and the second camera module 200 b includes asingle lens, differently from a multi-camera method or a multi-lensmethod according to the related art, acquisition of a focused imageamong captured images is not easy.

First, in the multi-camera method of the related art, if several camerasrespectively capture images of the same area and a focusing position isselected, an optimal focused image corresponding to the selectedposition is selected from among the images captured by the respectivecameras.

Next, in the multi-lens method of the related art, if several lensesrespectively capture images of partial areas of a certain area and afocusing position is selected, an optimal focused image corresponding tothe selected position is selected from among the images captured by therespective lenses.

On the other hand, in the case of the camera module 200 of the presentinvention having a single lens, preferably, a plurality of images issequentially acquired as the single lens is shifted in position, inorder to acquire an optimal focused image corresponding to a selectedfocusing position.

FIG. 2A is a view illustrating acquisition of images depending onmovement of the lens included in the camera module of the mobileterminal shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the camera module 200 of the mobile terminal 100may sequentially move a lens (220 of FIG. 9) from a first end to asecond end. Macro shooting to focus upon a short distance is possible ata lens position corresponding to the first end, and shooting to focusupon a long distance is possible at a lens position corresponding to thesecond end. In this case, it is assumed that an aperture to open thelens (220 of FIG. 9) is fixed at a constant size.

The mobile terminal 100 may sequentially acquire a first captured image525 a and a second captured image 525 b via short distance focusing, aswell as an nth captured image 525 n via long distance focusing as thelens (220 of FIG. 9) is moved from the first end to the second end.

Referring to FIG. 2A, it will be appreciated that a focusing distanceincreases from the first captured image 525 a to the nth captured image525 n.

These captured images 525 a, . . . , 525 n may be stored in a memoryunit (160 of FIG. 3).

FIG. 2B is a view illustrating focusing movement depending on selectionof an area in an image displayed on the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 2B, in a state in which the nth captured image 525 n,acquired via long distance focusing, is displayed on a display unit 151of the mobile terminal 100, if a specific position or area in the nthcaptured image 525 n is selected, the captured image 525 a, focused onthe selected position or area, may be displayed at the correspondingposition or area.

More specifically, FIG. 2B illustrates selection of an area 527corresponding to a short distance via touch input by a user finger 52.In this case, a processor 180 of the mobile terminal 100 may select thefirst captured image 525 a, focused on the corresponding region 527,from among the images 525 a, . . . , 525 n captured respectively at aplurality of lens positions that are stored in the memory unit 160, andthen control display of the first captured image 525 a on the displayunit 151.

Such a procedure of selecting a specific area by a user and thereafteracquiring an image of the selected area may be referred to as a postfocusing mode.

The post focusing mode may be manually selected and executed duringexecution of an image view mode via the mobile terminal 100.Alternatively, in a state in which an image view mode is executed todisplay a plurality of images, if any one image, to which the postfocusing mode is applicable, is selected from among the plurality ofimages, the post focusing mode may be automatically executed. The postfocusing mode will be described below in greater detail with referenceto FIG. 6 as well as the following drawings.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the mobile terminal as one example of theimage display apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. Hereinafter, the mobile terminal according to the embodimentof the present invention will be described in terms of functionalcomponents with reference to FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 3, the mobile terminal 100 may include a wirelesscommunication unit 110, an Audio/Video (A/V) input unit 120, a userinput unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, a memory unit160, an interface unit 170, a processor 180, and a power supply unit190. When realized in practical implementations, as necessary, two ormore components among the aforementioned components may be combined intoa single component, or any one component may be divided into two or morecomponents.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include a broadcast receivingmodule 111, a mobile communication module 113, a wireless Internetmodule 115, a local area communication module 117, and a GlobalPositioning System (GPS) module 119, for example.

The broadcast receiving module 111 is adapted to receive at least one ofbroadcast signals and broadcast related information from an externalbroadcasting management server through broadcast channels. In this case,the broadcast channels may include a satellite channel, a terrestrialchannel, and the like. The broadcasting management server may refer to aserver that generates and transmits at least one of broadcast signalsand broadcast related information, or a server that receives at leastone of previously generated broadcast signals and broadcast relatedinformation and transmits the same to terminals.

The broadcast signals may include TV broadcast signals, radio broadcastsignals, data broadcast signals, as well as combinations of TV broadcastsignals or radio broadcast signals and data broadcast signals. Thebroadcast related information may refer to information related tobroadcast channels, broadcast programs, or broadcasting serviceproviders. The broadcast related information may be provided through amobile communication network. In this case, the broadcast relatedinformation may be received by the mobile communication module 113.Various types of broadcast related information are available.

The broadcast receiving module 111 may receive broadcast signals usingvarious broadcasting systems. In particular, the broadcast receivingmodule 111 may receive digital broadcast signals using digitalbroadcasting systems, such as Digital MultimediaBroadcasting-Terrestrial (DMB-T), Digital MultimediaBroadcasting-Satellite (DMB-S), Media Forward Link Only (MediaFLO),Digital Video Broadcasting-Handheld (DVB-H), Integrated Service DigitalBroadcasting-Terrestrial (ISDB-T), and the like. In addition, thebroadcast receiving module 111 may be configured to conform to theaforementioned digital broadcasting systems as well as all otherbroadcasting systems that provide broadcast signals. The broadcastsignals and/or the broadcast related information received by thebroadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in the memory unit 160.

The mobile communication module 113 is adapted to transmit and receivewireless signals to and from at least one of a base station, an externalterminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. Here, thewireless signals may include various types of data depending ontransmission and reception of voice call signals, video call signals, ortext/multimedia messages.

The wireless Internet module 115 is a module for wireless Internetaccess. The wireless Internet Module 115 may be embedded within themobile terminal 100, or may be externally mounted to the mobile terminal100. Wireless Internet technologies may include Wireless LAN(WLAN)(Wi-Fi), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), World Interoperability forMicrowave Access (WiMAX), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), andthe like.

The local area communication module 117 is a module for local areacommunication. Local area communication technologies may includeBluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared DataAssociation (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, Near FieldCommunication (NFC), and the like.

The GPS module 119 is adapted to receive position information from aplurality of GPS satellites.

The A/V input unit 120 is adapted to input audio signals or videosignals. The A/V input unit 120 may include the camera module 200 and amicrophone 123, for example.

The camera module 200 may process an image frame, such as a still image,a moving image, or the like, acquired via an image sensor in a videocall mode or in a camera mode. The processed image frame may bedisplayed on the display unit 151.

The image frame processed in the camera module 200 may be stored in thememory unit 160, or may be transmitted to an external receiver throughthe wireless communication unit 110. Two or more camera modules 200 maybe provided according to a configuration of the terminal.

More particularly, the camera module 200 according to the embodiment ofthe present invention may include a single lens, and acquire a capturedimage on a per lens position basis as the single lens is shifted inposition. In particular, in a camera mode, images may be captured on aper lens position basis as the single lens is shifted in position. Aninterior configuration of the camera module 200 will be described belowin greater detail with reference to FIG. 6.

The microphone 123 is adapted to receive audio signals from an externaltransmitter in an audio reception mode, such as a call mode, a recordingmode, a voice recognition mode, or the like, and to process the sameinto electric voice data. In the call mode, the processed voice data maybe converted and output into a form that can be transmitted to a mobilecommunication base station through the mobile communication module 113.The microphone 123 may utilize a variety of noise removal algorithms toremove noise generated in the process of receiving externally inputaudio signals.

In an embodiment, a plurality of microphones 123 may be arranged atdifferent positions. Audio signals received by the respectivemicrophones 123 may be processed by the processor 180, for example.

The user input unit 130 is adapted to generate key input data that isinput by the user to control operation of the terminal. The user inputunit 130 may be configured as a key pad, a dome switch, a touchpad(constant voltage/capacitance), or the like, which may receiveinstructions or information input by user push or touch manipulation. Inaddition, the user input unit 130 may be configured as a jog wheel orjoystick using rotation of a key, a finger mouse, or the like. Inparticular, if the touchpad and the display unit 151 that will bedescribed hereinafter have a layered configuration, the resultingstructure may be called a touchscreen.

The sensing unit 140 is adapted to sense a current state of the mobileterminal 100, such as an open or closed state of the mobile terminal100, a position of the mobile terminal 100, the presence of usercontact, and the like, and to generate sensing signals for control ofoperation of the mobile terminal 100. For example, if the mobileterminal 100 is a slide phone type terminal, the sensing unit 140 maysense whether the slide phone is open or closed. In addition, thesensing unit 140 may sense whether or not the power supply unit 190supplies power, whether or not an external appliance is connected to theinterface unit 170, and the like.

The sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor 141, a pressuresensor 143, a motion sensor 145, and the like. The proximity sensor 141may detect, for example, the presence of an object that is approachingthe mobile terminal 100 or an object located near the mobile terminal100 without physical contact. In addition, the proximity sensor 141 maydetect, for example, a proximal object using variation of an alternatingcurrent magnetic field, variation of a static magnetic field, or achange rate of capacitance. According to a configuration, two or moreproximity sensors 141 may be provided.

The pressure sensor 143 may detect whether or not pressure is applied tothe mobile terminal 100, and the magnitude of the applied pressure, andthe like. The pressure sensor 143 may be installed to a location of themobile terminal 100 where pressure detection is necessary according to ause environment. If the pressure sensor 143 is installed to the displayunit 151, touch input via the display unit 151 and pressure touch inputby greater pressure than the touch input may be determined based on asignal output by the pressure sensor 143. In addition, in the case ofthe pressure touch input, the magnitude of pressure applied to thedisplay unit 151 may be determined based on a signal output by thepressure sensor 143.

The motion sensor 145 may sense a position or motion of the mobileterminal 100, and the like using an accelerometer, a gyro sensor, andthe like. The accelerometer, which may be used as the motion sensor 145,is an element that converts variation of acceleration in a givendirection into an electric signal, and has widely been used according todevelopment of Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS).

There are various kinds of accelerometers including an accelerometer tomeasure large acceleration values, which is embedded in a vehicularairbag system to sense a crash, as well as an accelerometer to measuresmall acceleration values, which recognizes slight motion of a user'shand to utilize the same as input means for gaming, and the like. Aplurality of accelerometers may typically be mounted on two axes orthree axes to constitute a single package. Under a certain useenvironment, a single axis accelerometer, for example, a Z-axisaccelerometer may be necessary. Accordingly, when it is desired toutilize an X-axis or Y-axis accelerometer in place of the Z-axisaccelerometer, the accelerometer may be vertically installed on a mainboard using a separate board segment.

The gyro sensor may be a sensor for measurement of angular velocity, andmay sense angular displacement with respect to a reference direction.

The output unit 150 is adapted to output audio signals, video signals,or alarm signals. The output unit 150 may include the display unit 151,a sound output module 153, an alarm unit 155, and a haptic module 157,for example.

The display unit 151 is adapted to display and output informationprocessed in the mobile terminal 100. For example, if the mobileterminal 100 is in a call mode, the display unit 151 displays a UserInterface (UI) or Graphical User Interface (GUI) related to a call. Ifthe mobile terminal 100 is in a video call mode or in a camera mode, thedisplay unit 151 may display images captured by or transmitted to themobile terminal 100 simultaneously or individually, and display the UIor GUI.

As described above, if the display unit 151 and a touchpad are layeredone top of another to construct a touchscreen, the display unit 151 maybe used as an input device that can input information via user touch, inaddition to being used as an output device.

If the display unit 151 is a touchscreen, the display unit 151 mayinclude a touchscreen panel, a touchscreen panel controller, and thelike. In this case, the touchscreen panel is an externally attachedtransparent panel, and may be connected to an internal bus of the mobileterminal 100. The touchscreen panel monitors contact results, and sendscorresponding signals, which indicate occurrence of touch input, to atouchscreen panel controller. The touchscreen panel controller mayprocess the signals and transmit data corresponding to the signals tothe processor 180, thereby allowing the processor 180 to determinewhether or not touch input occurs or which area of a touchscreen istouched.

The display unit 151 may be configured as e-Paper. In addition, thedisplay unit 151 may include at least one of a liquid crystal display, athin film transistor liquid crystal display, an organic light emittingdiode, a flexible display, and a 3D display. According to aconfiguration of the mobile terminal 100, two or more display units 151may be provided. For example, the mobile terminal 100 may include bothan external display unit (not shown) and an internal display unit (notshown).

The sound output module 153 may output audio data received from thewireless communication unit 100, or stored in the memory unit 160, in acall signal reception mode, a call mode, a recording mode, a voicerecognition mode, a broadcast receiving mode, and the like. In addition,the sound output module 153 outputs audio signals related to functionsthat are being implemented by the mobile terminal 100, for example, callsignal reception sound, message reception sound, and the like. The soundoutput module 153 may include a speaker and a buzzer, for example.

The alarm unit 155 is adapted to output a signal that indicatesoccurrence of an event in the mobile terminal 100. Examples of the eventoccurring in the mobile terminal 100 include call signal reception,message reception, key signal input, and the like. The alarm unit 155outputs the signal to indicate occurrence of the event as an audiosignal, a video signal, or other forms of signals. For example, thealarm unit 155 may output a signal in the form of vibration. If a callsignal or a message is received, the alarm unit 155 may output a signalto indicate reception of the call signal or the message. In addition, ifa key signal is input, the alarm unit 155 may output a feedback signalin response to input of the key signal. The user may recognizeoccurrence of an event based on the signal output by the alarm unit 155.The signal to indicate occurrence of an event in the mobile terminal 100may also be output by the display unit 151 or the sound output module153.

The haptic module 157 is adapted to generate various haptic effects thatthe user can sense. Vibration is a representative example of a hapticeffect generated by the haptic module 157. If the haptic module 157generates vibration as a haptic effect, the haptic module 157 maychange, for example, the intensity and pattern of vibration beinggenerated, and may combine and output different types of vibrations orsequentially output the vibrations.

In addition to the vibration, the haptic module 157 may generate variousother haptic effects, such as stimulation by a pin arrangement thatvertically moves on the skin, stimulation by ejection or suction of airthrough an ejection port or suction port, stimulation by contact withthe skin, stimulation by contact with an electrode, stimulation usingelectrostatic force, cold and warmth generated using an element that canabsorb or radiate heat, and the like. The haptic module 157 may beconfigured to transmit a haptic effect via direct contact, and to sensea haptic effect via muscles of the user arm or finger. According to aconfiguration of the mobile terminal 100, two or more haptic modules 157may be provided.

The memory unit 160 may store programs to assist processing and controlof the processor 180, and may also function to temporarily store inputor output data (for example, phonebooks, messages, still images, andmoving images).

The memory unit 160 may include a storage medium of at least one typeselected from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia cardmicro type, and card type memory units (for example, an SD or XD memoryunit), RAM, and ROM. In addition, the mobile terminal 100 may utilize acloud storage that performs a storage function of the memory unit 150over the Internet.

The interface unit 170 serves as an interface for use with all externalappliances connected to the mobile terminal 100. Examples of theexternal appliances connected to the mobile terminal 100 include awired/wireless headset, an external charger, a wired/wireless data port,a card socket, such as a memory card, a Subscriber Identification Module(SIM) card, and a User Identity Module (UIM) card, an audio Input/Output(I/O) terminal, a video I/O terminal, an earphone, and the like. Theinterface unit 170 may receive data or power from the aforementionedexternal appliances, and transmit the same to the respective componentsof the mobile terminal 100. In addition, the interface unit 170 maytransmit internal data of the mobile terminal 100 to the externalappliances.

When the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle, theinterface unit 170 may serve as a passageway through which power issupplied from the connected cradle to the mobile terminal 100, or apassageway through which various instruction signals input via thecradle by the user are transmitted to the mobile terminal 100.

The processor 180 is typically adapted to control operation of therespective components, thereby controlling general operation of themobile terminal 100. For example, the processor 180 performs control andprocessing related to a voice call, data communication, a video call,and the like. In addition, the processor 180 may include a multimediareproduction module 181 to reproduce a multimedia program. Themultimedia reproduction module 181 may be configured as hardwareincluded in the processor 180, or may be configured as software separatefrom the processor 180. The processor 180 may include an applicationprocessor (not shown) for execution of applications. Alternatively, theapplication processor (not shown) may be provided separately from theprocessor 180.

The power supply unit 190 is adapted to receive external or internalpower and to supply power required for operation of the respectivecomponents, under control of the processor 180.

The mobile terminal 100 having the above-described configurationincludes a wired/wireless communication system and a satellite basedcommunication system, and may be configured to be operable in acommunication system that may transmit data as frames or packets.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the mobile terminal of FIG. 3 viewedfrom the front side, and FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the mobileterminal shown in FIG. 4. Hereinafter, the mobile terminal according tothe present invention will be described in terms of components definingthe external appearance of the mobile terminal with reference to FIGS. 4and 5. In addition, for convenience of description, among various typesof mobile terminals including flip type, bar type, swing type, andslider type mobile terminals, for example, a bar type mobile terminalequipped at a front surface thereof with a touchscreen will be describedby way of example. However, it is noted that the present invention isnot limited to the bar type mobile terminal, and may be applied to alltypes of mobile terminals including the aforementioned types.

Referring to FIG. 4, a case defining the external appearance of themobile terminal 100 consists of a front case 100-1 and a rear case100-2. A variety of electronics is embedded in a space confined by thefront case 100-1 and the rear case 100-2.

A main body, more particularly, the front case 100-1 may be equippedwith the display unit 151, a first sound output module 153 a, the firstcamera module 200 a, and first to third user input units 130 a, 130 band 130 c. In addition, a fourth user input unit 130 d, a fifth userinput unit 130 e, and first to third microphones 123 a, 123 b and 123 cmay be arranged at a lateral surface of the rear case 100-2.

The display unit 151 overlaps with a touchpad in a layered manner. Thus,the display unit 151 may serve as a touchscreen to enable input ofinformation by user touch.

The first sound output module 153 a may be configured as a receiver or aspeaker. The first camera module 200 a may be configured to capturestill images or moving images. The microphones 123 a, 123 b and 123 cmay be configured to receive user voice, other sounds, and the like.

The first to fifth user input units 130 a, 130 b, 130 c, 130 d and 130 eas well as sixth and seventh user input units 130 f and 130 f that willbe described hereinafter may be referred to collectively as the userinput unit 130. All kinds of input means may be used so long asmanipulation in a tactile manner is possible with provision of tactilesensation.

For example, the user input unit 130 may be configured as a dome switch,a touch pad or the like that can receive instructions or information viauser push or touch manipulation, or may be configured as a jog wheel forrotation of a key, a joystick or the like. In terms of functions, thefirst to third user input units 130 a, 130 b and 130 c are provided toinput, for example, start, end and scroll instructions, and the fourthuser input unit 130 d is provided to input selection of an operationmode, for example. In addition, the fifth user input unit 130 e may beoperated as a hot key to activate a specified function of the mobileterminal 100.

The first and second microphones 123 a and 123 b may be arranged at thetop of the rear case 100-2, i.e. at the top of the mobile terminal 100to collect audio signals, and the third microphone 123 c may be arrangedat the bottom of the rear case 100-2, i.e. at the bottom of the mobileterminal 100 to collect audio signals.

Referring to FIG. 5, the second camera module 200 b and the fourthmicrophone 123 d may be additionally mounted at a rear surface of therear case 100-2, and the sixth and seventh user input units 130 f and130 g and the interface unit 170 may be arranged at the lateral surfaceof the rear case 100-2.

The second camera module 200 b may be adapted to capture an image insubstantially the opposite direction to that of the first camera module200 a. The first second camera module 200 b and the first camera module200 a may have different numbers of pixels. A flash (not shown) and amirror (not shown) may be additionally arranged proximate to the secondcamera module 200 b. In addition, an additional camera may be installedproximate to the second camera module 200 b and be used to assistacquisition of 3-dimensional images.

The flash is used to emit light toward a subject when the second cameramodule 200 b captures an image of the subject. The user may view theirface and the like when capturing (self-photographing) using the secondcamera module 200 b.

The rear case 100-2 may be additionally equipped with a second soundoutput module (not shown). The second sound output module may realize astereo function along with the first sound output module 153 a, and maybe used to place calls in a speakerphone mode.

The interface unit 170 may be used as a data exchange passageway with anexternal appliance. In addition, an antenna for call as well as abroadcast signal receiving antenna (not shown) may be arranged at thefront case 100-1 and the rear case 100-2. These antennas may be pulledoutward by the user.

The rear case 100-2 may be additionally equipped with the power supplyunit 190 to supply power to the mobile terminal 100. The power supplyunit 190 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery, and may beseparably coupled to the rear case 100-2 for charging, and the like.

The fourth microphone 123 d may be arranged at a front surface of therear case 100-2, i.e. at a rear surface of the mobile terminal 100 tocollect audio signals.

In the present embodiment, although the second camera module 200 hasbeen described as being arranged at the rear case 100-2, the disclosureis not limited thereto. In addition, even if the second camera module200 b is not provided, the first camera module 200 b may be rotatablyconfigured to capture an image even in an image capture direction of thesecond camera module 200 b.

The camera module having a single lens as described in thisspecification may be applied to both the first camera module 200 a andthe second camera module 200 b of the drawings.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of thecamera module shown in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 6, the camera module 200 may include an aperture 210,a single lens 220, an image sensor 230, and a lens drive unit 240.

Upon entering a camera mode, the processor 180 may control the lensdrive unit 240, and in turn the lens drive unit 240 may shift a positionof the lens 220. More particularly, the lens drive unit 240 may shift aposition of the lens 220 upon entering a post focusing mode of thecamera mode.

The lens drive unit 240 may include a drive circuit and an actuator torealize physical position shift of the lens 220.

The lens 220 may be sequentially shifted in position from the first endcorresponding to a short distance to the second end corresponding to along distance by the lens drive unit 240.

Upon entering a camera mode, the aperture 210 having a fixed size may beopen. The camera module 200 according to the present invention includesthe single lens 220, and thus the aperture 210 is opened to apredetermined size.

The image sensor 230 converts light introduced through the single lens220 into an electric signal. More particularly, the image sensor 230sequentially converts a light signal depending on a shifted position ofthe lens 220 into an electric signal as the lens 220 is shifted inposition.

The processor 180 acquires an image on a per lens position basis usingthe electric signal from the image sensor 230. That is, the processor180 may acquire an image having a predetermined resolution by processingthe received electric signals.

The memory unit 160 stores the captured image on a per lens positionbasis acquired from the processor 180.

Although FIG. 6 shows the camera module 200 as not equipped with theprocessor, a separate processor may be provided to acquire an image on aper lens position basis using the electric signal from the image sensor230. In addition, the camera module 200 may contain the memory unit 160to store the captured image on a per lens position basis.

The user input unit 130 receives user input. For example, the user inputunit 130 may receive touch input.

If the post focusing mode of the camera mode is selected via the userinput unit 130, the processor 180 may control the lens drive unit 240,and in turn the lens drive unit 240 may shift a position of the lens220.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an imagedisplay apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention,and FIGS. 8 to 18 are reference views explaining various examples of amethod of operating an image display apparatus of FIG. 7. The followingdescription will focus on the mobile terminal as one example of theimage display apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 7, the mobile terminal 100 enters a camera mode(S710). The mobile terminal 100 may enter the camera mode in response touser input via the user input unit 130. Thereby, the processor 180 mayactivate the camera module 200.

Next, the mobile terminal 100 shifts a position of the single lensprovided in the camera module according to the camera mode, therebyacquiring an image captured on a per lens position basis (S715).

The processor 180 controls acquisition of an image using the cameramodule 200 having the single lens 220. More particularly, if the postfocusing mode of the camera mode is selected, the processor 180 maycontrol the lens drive unit 240 included in the camera module 200 tocontrol position shift of the lens 220.

As the lens 220 is shifted in position, the image sensor 230 included inthe camera module 200 may sequentially convert a light signal dependingon a shifted position of the lens 220 into an electric signal. Thereby,the processor 180 may sequentially acquire images on a per lens positionbasis.

Next, the mobile terminal 100 stores the captured images acquired on aper lens position basis (S720). The processor 180 controls the memoryunit 160 to store the sequentially acquired captured images on a perlens position basis. Thereby, the images acquired on a per lens positionbasis may be stored in the memory unit 160. In this case, the imagesacquired on a per lens position basis are images depending on the postfocusing mode, and may be sorted and stored. To minimize storageconsumption, the images acquired on a per lens position basis may besubjected to compression prior to storage.

Next, the mobile terminal 100 enters an image view mode (S725). Then,the mobile terminal 100 displays at least one of the plurality ofcaptured images stored therein according to the image view mode (S730).

The processor 180 may enter an image view mode to display the capturedimages on the mobile terminal 100 via user manipulation.

Thereby, the processor 180 controls the display unit 151 to display atleast some of the images stored in the memory unit 160.

In one example, the display unit 151 may display thumbnail images withregard to the captured images. Among the thumbnail images, somethumbnail images corresponding to the post focusing mode may beseparately displayed from the other thumbnail images.

In another example, the display unit 151 may display the latest capturedimage among the captured images. Then, if image change is input, anothercaptured image may be displayed on the display unit 151. Any onecaptured image corresponding to the post focusing mode among thecaptured images may be separately displayed.

Next, the mobile terminal 100 judges whether or not at least one area inthe displayed image is selected (S735). If any one area is selected, themobile terminal 100 displays a focused image of at least the selectedarea (S740).

The processor 180 may judge whether or not the captured image based onthe post focusing mode is selected via user input. Then, the processor180 may judge whether or not a specific area in the captured image basedon the post focusing mode is selected. If the specific area is selected,the processor 180 may control display of an image that has focused onthe selected area.

In one example, in a state in which a plurality of thumbnail images isdisplayed, if the user selects any one thumbnail image based on the postfocusing mode, at least one of the plurality of captured images on a perlens position basis based on the post focusing mode may be displayed onthe display unit 151. For example, an image depending on a first lensposition, which has focused on a first area, may be displayed. In thiscase, if a second area in the image depending on the first lens positionis selected via user input, an image depending on a second lensposition, which has focused on the second area, may be displayed.

In another example, any one image among the plurality of captured imagesbased on the post focusing mode may be displayed on the display unit 151without display of a plurality of thumbnail images. For example, animage depending on a first lens position, which has focused on a firstarea, may be displayed. In this case, if a second area of the imagedepending on the first lens position is selected via user input, animage depending on a second lens position, which has focused on thesecond area, may be displayed.

Thereby, in the post focusing mode, any one image among the capturedimages, which has focused on an area selected by the user, may bedisplayed in a simplified manner.

FIG. 8 illustrates image capture based on a camera mode.

As exemplarily shown in FIG. 8(a), a camera mode screen 810 is displayedwhen a camera mode item is selected via user input. In this case, thecamera mode item may include a sequential image capture mode item and apost focusing mode item.

If the camera mode screen 810 is selected, as exemplarily shown in FIG.8(b), a post focusing mode screen is displayed by way of example,although various alternatives are possible.

More specifically, a post focusing mode item, a sequential image capturemode item, a close-up mode item, and the like may be displayed in thecamera mode screen 810 of FIG. 8(a). If the post focusing mode item isselected from among these items, the mobile terminal 100 may enter apost focusing mode.

Once the post focusing mode has been selected, the processor 180 maycontrol the lens drive unit 240 included in the camera module 200 so asto control position shift of the lens 220. Thereby, the processor 180may sequentially acquire images on a per lens position basis via thecamera module 200.

As exemplarily shown in FIG. 8(c), a thumbnail list 524 is displayed,which includes thumbnail images with regard to the sequentially acquiredcaptured images on a per lens position basis.

The thumbnail list 524 may include a first thumbnail image 524 acorresponding to a first lens position, a second thumbnail image 524 bcorresponding to a second lens position, and an nth thumbnail image 524n corresponding to an nth lens position.

The first thumbnail image 524 a is a thumbnail image with regard to thefirst captured image 525 a, which corresponds to the first lens positionand is acquired at a first time ta, and the second thumbnail image 524 bis a thumbnail image with regard to the second captured image 525 b,which corresponds to the second lens position and is acquired at asecond time tb. In addition, the nth thumbnail image 524 n is athumbnail image with regard to the nth captured image 525 n, whichcorresponds to the nth lens position and is acquired at an nth time tn.

FIG. 9 is a view showing various examples of a method of moving a lensin the post focusing mode.

If the post focusing mode is executed, preferably, the processor 180sequentially moves the lens 220 from a first end to a second end.

As exemplarily shown in FIG. 9(a), if the lens 220 is located at a firstend P1, the lens 200 may be sequentially moved toward a second end P2along a first path Path1. Then, during sequential movement of the lens220 along the first path Path1, the processor 180 may acquire capturedimages via the camera module 200.

If the lens 220 is not located at the first end P1 upon executing thepost focusing mode, preferably, the lens 220 is moved to the first endP1.

In one example, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 9(b), if the lens 220 islocated at a predetermined position Px in place of the first end P1, thelens 220 may be moved to the first end P1 along a second path Path2, andthereafter be moved from the first end P1 to the second end P2 along athird path Path3. In this case, acquisition of the captured images maybe implemented while the lens 220 is being moved along the third pathPath3 rather than being moved along the second path Path2.

In another example, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 9(c), the lens 220 maycapture an image while being moved along the second path Path2, butcease image capture while being moved from the first end P1 to thepredetermined position Px along a fourth path Path4. Then, the lens 220may again capture an image while being moved from the predeterminedposition Px to the second end P2 along a fifth path Path5.

In conclusion, the lens 220 may need to be moved at least from the firstend P1 to the second end P2. In this case, it is preferable to acquire acaptured image on a per lens position basis. A first captured image isan image corresponding to the first end P1, i.e. a first lens position.The first captured image may correspond to a captured image that hasfocused upon a short distance. An nth captured image is an imagecorresponding to the second end P2, i.e. an nth lens position. The nthcaptured image may correspond to a captured image that has focused upona long distance.

Although FIG. 9 illustrates that the lens 220, which is located betweenthe first end P1 and the second end P2, is moved to the first end P1,the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the lens 220 may be moved toone of the first end P1 and the second end P2 that is located closerthereto than the other. Thereafter, sequential movement of the lens 220in an opposite direction may be possible.

FIG. 10 is a reference view explaining image storage operation S720 ofFIG. 7, and FIG. 11 is a reference view explaining an image storagemethod of FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 10, the mobile terminal 100 may generate taginformation (S1010). The tag information includes at least one of numberinformation, size information, position information, start marker, andend marker with regard to a sequentially acquired captured images on aper lens position basis or all of a plurality of captured images on aper lens position basis.

More particularly, the processor 180 may generate a tag buffer forgeneration of tag information. Then, the processor 180 may storeinformation regarding the number of images to be packaged and the startmarker in the tag buffer. In addition, the processor 180 may storeinformation regarding the size and position of each image among thesequentially acquired captured images on a per lens position basis, inthe tag buffer. Storage of information regarding the size and positionof each image is sequentially implemented until information regardingthe final image is stored. After storage of information regarding thesize and position of the final image is completed, the processor 180 maystore the end marker in the tag buffer. In this way, tag informationincluding a variety of information stored in the tag buffer isgenerated.

Next, the mobile terminal 100 compresses the acquired captured images ona per lens position basis (S1015).

As exemplarily shown in FIG. 11, for efficient storage, the processor180 may compress each of the images 525 a, . . . , 525 n acquired on aper lens position basis. FIG. 11 illustrates small compressed images 526a, . . . , 526 n corresponding to the captured images 525 a, . . . , 525n on a per lens position basis.

Although FIG. 11 illustrates image compression on a per image basis,alternatively, image compression may be implemented using differentialdata based on a difference between the respective images.

Next, the mobile terminal 100 implements packing of the plurality ofcaptured images on a per lens position basis and the generated taginformation (S1020). Then, the mobile terminal 100 stores an archivefile in the memory unit 160 (S1025).

To implement packing, the processor 180 adds the tag information,generated in operation S1010, to the compressed images 526 a, . . . ,526 n. Thereby, an archive file 1120 depending on the post focusing modeis generated. The archive file 1120 may be sorted and stored in thememory unit 160.

FIGS. 12 to 17 show various methods of displaying a focused image in animage view mode.

First, referring to FIG. 12, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 12(a), if agallery item 1210 for entry into an image view mode is selected in astate in which an app screen 1200 is displayed on the mobile terminal100, the mobile terminal 100 enters an image view mode. Thereby, asexemplarily shown in FIG. 12(b), a thumbnail list 1220 including aplurality of thumbnail images corresponding to the captured images maybe displayed.

In this case, as exemplarily shown, a thumbnail image 1230 correspondingto any one captured image based on the post focusing mode may bedisplayed in a highlighted manner for differentiation with the otherthumbnail images. Although the drawing illustrates that an indicator1235 representing the post focusing mode is displayed as overlapping thecorresponding thumbnail image 1230, various other examples are possible.

If the user selects the thumbnail image 1230 corresponding to thecaptured image based on the post focusing mode, as exemplarily shown inFIG. 12(c), any one image 525 n among the plurality of captured images525 a, . . . , 525 n based on the post focusing mode may be displayed.

As described above, assuming that the number of images based on the postfocusing mode is n, any one image among n images may be displayed. Thedrawing illustrates display of the latest captured image, i.e. the nthcaptured image 525 n. The nth captured image 525 n is an image capturedwhen the lens 220 is located at the second end P2. That is, the nthcaptured image 525 n may be an image acquired via long distancefocusing.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated from the drawing that person(s) whoare at the longest distance among a plurality of persons in an image arefocused and displayed. Thus, a long distance area in the nth capturedimage 525 n exhibits the highest definition and edge sharpness.

An indicator 1245 representing the post focusing mode may further bedisplayed in the displayed nth captured image 525 n.

If the user touches a short distance area 527 using their finger 52, asexemplarily shown in FIG. 12(d), the first captured image 525 a amongthe plurality of captured images 525 a, . . . , 525 n, which is acquiredvia short distance focusing, may be displayed.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated from the drawing that a person whois at the shortest distance among a plurality of persons included in theimage is focused and displayed. Thus, a short distance area in the firstcaptured image 525 a exhibits the highest definition and edge sharpness.

An indicator 1255 representing the post focusing mode may further bedisplayed in the displayed first captured image 525 a.

To display a focused image among the plurality of captured images 525 a,. . . , 525 n based on the post focusing mode via user selection, theprocessor 180 may calculate coordinate information corresponding to aselected area, extract tag information from the above-mentioned archivefile 1120, and acquire captured images on a per lens position basisbased on the tag information. In this case, after decoding thecorresponding area with regard to the respective images based on thecalculated coordinate information, any one image among the plurality ofimages, which has the highest definition or the most data in the decodedarea, is selected. Then, decoding of the entire selected captured imagemay be implemented, and the resulting image may be displayed on thedisplay unit 151 under control.

Upon calculation of the image having the highest definition, theprocessor 180 may calculate the captured image having the highestdefinition based on edge information related to the corresponding area.That is, an image having the highest edge level may be calculated.

Although FIG. 13 is similar to FIG. 12, if the thumbnail image 1230corresponding to a captured image based on the post focusing mode isselected from the thumbnail list 1220 as exemplarily shown in FIG.13(b), a plurality of captured images may be displayed as exemplarilyshown in FIG. 13(c), differently from FIG. 12(c) in which any onecaptured image is displayed. For example, if user touch for selection ofthe thumbnail image 1230 in FIG. 13(b) is long touch (or long tapinput), this user touch is different from that of FIG. 12(b), and aplurality of captured images may be displayed as exemplarily shown inFIG. 13(c).

FIG. 13(c) illustrates that thumbnail images 1325 a, 1325 b, . . . ,1325 n representing a plurality of captured images are aligned anddisplayed. Although FIG. 13(c) illustrates that all thumbnail images1325 a, 1325 b, . . . , 1325 n corresponding to the first to nthcaptured images 525 a, . . . , 525 n are displayed, only some of theimages may be displayed. Moreover, each of the thumbnail images 1325 a,1325 b, . . . , 1325 n may include an indicator that represents the postfocusing mode.

If the user selects the first thumbnail image 1325 a using their finger52, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 13(d), the first captured image 525 a,acquired via short distance focusing, may be displayed.

Differently from FIG. 13(d), a plurality of captured images may bealigned and displayed on the basis of the first captured image 525 acorresponding to the selected first thumbnail image 1325 a. In thiscase, the plurality of captured images may be displayed in anoverlapping state. Preferably, the first captured image 525 a is theuppermost image.

Next, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 14, if user selection for an area isinput in a state in which any one captured image based on the postfocusing mode is displayed, any one captured image, focused on thecorresponding area, may be displayed.

FIG. 14(a) illustrates that the second captured image 525 b, which hasfocused on a second area, is displayed on the display unit 151 of themobile terminal 100. In this case, a thumbnail list 1520 including athumbnail image corresponding to the second captured image 525 b and ascroll bar 1530 may be displayed below the second captured image 525 b.In particular, the thumbnail image corresponding to the second capturedimage 525 b may be displayed in a highlighted manner.

In this case, if a long distance area 1527 in the second captured image525 b is selected via user input as exemplarily shown in FIG. 14(a), thenth captured image 525 a acquired via long distance focusing isdisplayed on the display unit 151 of the mobile terminal 100 asexemplarily shown in FIG. 14(b). In this case, the thumbnail list 1520including a thumbnail image corresponding to the nth captured image 525n and the scroll bar 1530 may be displayed below the nth captured image525 n. In particular, the thumbnail image corresponding to the nthcaptured image 525 n may be displayed in a highlighted manner.

Then, repeatedly, if a short distance area in the nth captured image 525n is selected via user input, the first captured image 525 a acquiredvia short distance focusing is displayed on the display unit 151 of themobile terminal 100 as exemplarily shown in FIG. 14(c). In this case,the thumbnail list 1520 including a thumbnail image corresponding to thefirst captured image 525 a and the scroll bar 1530 may be displayedbelow the first captured image 525 a. In particular, the thumbnail imagecorresponding to the first captured image 525 a may be displayed in ahighlighted manner.

In this way, if a specific area is selected via user input in a state inwhich the captured image based on the post focusing mode is displayed, acaptured image, which has focused on the corresponding area, isdisplayed in a simplified manner.

As exemplarily shown in FIG. 15, if a plurality of captured images isselected from among captured images based on the post focusing mode, afinal composite image, acquired by composing respective focused areas inthe plurality of captured images, is displayed.

FIG. 15(a) illustrates that thumbnail images 1325 a, 1325 b, . . . ,1325 n representing a plurality of captured images based on the postfocusing mode are aligned and displayed.

In this case, if several thumbnail images 1325 a, 1325 b and 1325 n,among the thumbnail images 1325 a, 1325 b, . . . , 1325 n representingthe plurality of captured images, are selected via multiple user touchesor sequential touch input, respective focused areas in the selectedcaptured images are composed to enable display of a composite image 1429as exemplarily shown in FIG. 15(b). Thereby, a focused image that theuser wishes to acquire may be displayed in a simplified manner.

In addition, FIG. 15(a) illustrates that the composite image 1429,focused on the plurality of areas, includes an indicator representingthe post focusing mode.

Even when a plurality of areas in the captured image is selected viamultiple user touches or sequential touch input in a state in which anyone captured image among the plurality of captured images is displayedas exemplarily shown in FIG. 14(a), as exemplarily shown in FIG. 15(b),the composite image 1429, focused on all of the selected areas, may bedisplayed.

Meanwhile, if a predetermined number of areas is selected, a compositeimage, focused on all of the selected areas, may be displayed.

For image composition, the processor 180 may select a corresponding areain any one image among the plurality of captured images, which has thehighest definition or the most data in the selected area, and thenselect a corresponding area in each image, which has the highestdefinition or the most data in another area except for the selectedarea, on the basis of the selected image, thereby acquiring a singlecomposite image using the selected areas.

FIG. 16 is a reference view explaining image composition.

Referring to FIG. 16, a composite image 525 a is generated viacomposition of the first captured image to the nth captured image 525 a,. . . , 525 n. In this case, image composition may be implemented usingrespective focused areas in the first captured image to the nth capturedimage 525 a, . . . , 525 n.

The processor 180 may calculate high definition areas corresponding tofocusing areas by performing edge detection on respective capturedimages based on the post focusing mode. In addition, the processor 180may detect depths of the respective high definition areas. Then, theprocessor 180 may generate a depth image including depth informationregarding the respective areas in the captured images using the depthsof the respective areas.

FIG. 17 illustrates generation of a depth image with regard to capturedimages.

A plurality of captured images 1725 a, 1725 b, 1725 c and 1725 d includefocusing areas 1726 a, 1726 b, 1726 c and 1726 d respectively. Theprocessor 180 may calculate high definition areas 1735 a, 1735 b, 1735 cand 1735 d corresponding to the focusing areas 1726 a, 1726 b, 1726 cand 1726 d by performing edge detection on the respective capturedimages 1725 a, 1725 b, 1725 c and 1725 d. In addition, the processor 180may detect depths 1745 a, 1745 b, 1745 c and 1745 d of the highdefinition areas 1735 a, 1735 b, 1735 c and 1735 d. Then, the processor180 may generate a depth image 1750 including information regarding thedepths 1745 a, 1745 b, 1745 c and 1745 d of the respective highdefinition areas 1735 a, 1735 b, 1735 c and 1735 d in the respectivecaptured images 1725 a, 1725 b, 1725 c and 1725 d using the depths 1745a, 1745 b, 1745 c and 1745 d.

In conclusion, the depth image is similar to a composite image of thefocusing areas as described above with reference to FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a reference view explaining focused image display operationS740 of FIG. 7.

Referring to FIG. 18, if at least one area in a displayed captured imageis selected, the mobile terminal 100 acquires coordinate information onthe selected area (S1810).

The processor 180 may calculate coordinate information on thecorresponding area based on change of an electric signal due to touchinput if a specific area of the display unit 151 receives touch input.

In this case, the processor 180 may calculate the coordinate informationbased on touch input in different ways according to whether the mobileterminal 100 is displaying an image in a horizontal mode or in avertical mode.

In addition, the processor 180 may calculate the coordinate informationbased on touch input in different ways according to whether thedisplayed captured image is a zoom-in image or a zoom-out image.

Next, the mobile terminal 100 extracts tag information from the archivefile stored in the memory unit 160 (S1815). Then, the mobile terminal100 acquires a plurality of captured images on a per lens position basisbased on the extracted tag information (S1820).

To calculate focused images based on the coordinate information based ontouch input, the processor 180 may read out the archive file (1120 ofFIG. 11) stored in the memory unit 160, and extract tag information(1110 of FIG. 11) included in the archive file.

Next, the processor 180 may acquire number information, sizeinformation, position information, start marker, end marker, and thelike with regard to a sequentially acquired captured images on a perlens position basis or all of a plurality of captured images on a perlens position basis.

Then, the processor 180 may extract compressed images (526 a, . . . ,526 n of FIG. 11) from the archive file stored in the memory unit 160using a variety of information included in the tag information.

Next, the mobile terminal 100 decodes corresponding areas in therespective images based on the calculated coordinate information(S1825). Then, the mobile terminal 100 calculates any one capturedimage, which has the highest definition in the decoded area (S1830).Then, the mobile terminal 100 displays the calculated captured image.

The processor 180 decodes the compressed images (526 a, . . . , 526 n ofFIG. 11). In particular, based on the calculated coordinate information,the processor 180 may decode only an area corresponding to thecoordinate information in the compressed image. This may reduce decodingtime.

The processor 180 may implement, for example, edge detection on therespective decoded areas, and calculate any one captured image havingthe highest definition.

For example, if the long distance area 1527 in the captured image 525 bis selected via user touch input as exemplarily shown in FIG. 14(a), asexemplarily shown in FIG. 14(b), the nth captured image 525 n, acquiredvia long distance focusing, among the plurality of captured images maybe calculated and displayed on the display unit 151 of the mobileterminal 100. In this way, the focused captured image may be displayedin a simplified manner.

The image display apparatus and the method of operating the sameaccording to the present invention are not limited to the abovedescribed configurations and methods, and all or some of the aboveembodiments may be selectively combined to achieve variousmodifications.

The image display apparatus and the method of operating the sameaccording to the present invention may be implemented as processorreadable code that can be written on a processor readable recordingmedium included in the image display apparatus. The processor readablerecording medium may be any type of recording device in which data isstored in a processor readable manner. Examples of the processorreadable recording medium include a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, a magnetictape, a floppy disc, an optical data storage device, and the like. Inaddition, the processor readable recording medium may be a carrier wave(e.g., data transmission over the Internet). The processor readablerecording medium can be distributed over a plurality of computer systemsconnected to a network so that processor readable code is writtenthereto and executed therefrom in a decentralized manner.

As is apparent from the above description, according to an embodiment ofthe present invention, a single lens included in a camera module isshifted in position according to a camera mode to acquire and store acaptured image on a per lens position basis. If at least one of aplurality of stored captured images is displayed according to an imageview mode and at least one area in the displayed captured image isselected, an image, focused on at least the selected area, is displayed.In this way, an image display apparatus equipped with the camera modulehaving the single lens may function to regulate focusing, which mayresult in enhanced user convenience.

In particular, display of the focused image may be implemented viacalculation of any one captured image that has the highest definition inthe selected area. This ensures display of the focused image in asimplified manner.

Based on an image view mode, a thumbnail list including thumbnail imagescorresponding to the stored images may be displayed, and any onethumbnail image corresponding to the focused image may be displayed in ahighlighted manner. This may further enhance user convenience.

In addition, if any one image is selected in a state in which theplurality of stored images is displayed, the plurality of images may bealigned and displayed on the basis of the selected image, or only theselected image may be displayed, which may result in enhanced userconvenience.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have beendisclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art willappreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions arepossible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventionas disclosed in the accompanying claims.

1. A method of operating an image display apparatus, the methodcomprising: entering a camera mode; acquiring a captured image on a perlens position basis via position shift of a single lens included in acamera module according to the camera mode; storing the acquiredcaptured image on a per lens position basis; displaying at least one ofa plurality of stored captured images according to an image view mode;and displaying any one image focused on at least one area in thedisplayed captured image when the at least one area is selected.
 2. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein display of the focused imageincludes: acquiring coordinate information on at least one area in thedisplayed captured image when the at least one area is selected;decoding an area corresponding to the coordinate information withrespect to each of the plurality of stored captured images; calculatingany one captured image having the highest definition based on edgedetection for the respective decoded areas corresponding to thecoordinate information; and displaying the calculated captured image. 3.The method according to claim 1, wherein storage of the image includes:generating tag information, wherein the tag information includes atleast one of number information, size information, position information,start marker, and end marker with respect to the sequentially acquiredcaptured images on a per lens position basis or all of the plurality ofcaptured images on a per lens position basis; and packing the generatedtag information and the plurality of captured images on a per lensposition basis.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein display ofthe focused image includes: extracting tag information from an archivefile when at least one area in the displayed captured image is selected;acquiring the plurality of captured images on a per lens position basisbased on the extracted tag information; calculating any one capturedimage having the highest definition based on edge detection forrespective areas, corresponding to the selected area, in the pluralityof captured images on a per lens position basis; and displaying thecalculated captured image.
 5. The method according to claim 1, furthercomprising displaying a thumbnail list including a thumbnail imagecorresponding to the stored image according to the image view mode,wherein any one thumbnail image of the thumbnail list, associated withthe stored image among the plurality of images on a per lens positionbasis based on the camera mode, is displayed in a highlighted manner. 6.The method according to claim 1, wherein display of the focused imageincludes: selecting any one captured image among the plurality of storedimages, which has the highest definition, the highest edge sharpness,and/or the most data in a selected area when at least one area in thedisplayed captured image is selected; and displaying the selected image.7. The method according to claim 1, wherein display of the focused imageincludes: selecting any one captured image among the plurality of storedimages, which has the highest definition or the most data in a selectedarea when at least one area in the displayed captured image is selected;and aligning and displaying the plurality of images on the basis of theselected image.
 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein display ofthe focused image includes: selecting a corresponding area in any onecaptured image among the plurality of stored images, which has thehighest definition or the most data in a selected area when at least onearea in the displayed captured image is selected; and selecting acorresponding area in each image, which has the highest definition orthe most data in another area except for the selected area, on the basisof the selected captured image; acquiring a single composite image usingthe selected corresponding areas; and displaying the composite image. 9.The method according to claim 1, further comprising displaying theplurality of images in response to input for display of the plurality ofstored captured images, wherein display of the focused image includes,when any one image among the plurality of displayed images is selected,aligning and displaying the plurality of images on the basis of theselected image.
 10. The method according to claim 1, further comprisingdisplaying the plurality of images in response to input for display ofthe plurality of stored captured images, wherein display of the focusedimage includes, when any one image among the plurality of displayedimages is selected, displaying the selected image.
 11. An image displayapparatus comprising: a camera module including a single lens, an imagesensor configured to convert a light signal introduced through thesingle lens into an electric signal, and a lens movement unit configuredto shift a position of the single lens for regulation of a focaldistance; a processor configured to acquire a captured image on a perlens position basis via position shift of the single lens included inthe camera module according to a camera mode; a memory unit configuredto store the acquired captured image on a per lens position basis; and adisplay unit configured to display at least one of a plurality of storedcaptured images according to an image view mode and to display any oneimage focused on the at least one area in the displayed captured imagewhen the at least one area is selected.
 12. The image display apparatusaccording to claim 11, wherein the camera module further includes anaperture that is opened to a predetermined value in the camera mode. 13.The image display apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the processoracquires coordinate information on at least one area in the displayedcaptured image when the at least one area is selected, decodes an areacorresponding to the coordinate information with respect to each of theplurality of stored captured images, and calculates any one capturedimage having the highest definition based on edge detection for therespective decoded areas corresponding to the coordinate information.14. The image display apparatus according to claim 11, wherein theprocessor generates tag information including at least one of numberinformation, size information, position information, start marker, andend marker with respect to the sequentially acquired captured images ona per lens position basis or all of the plurality of captured images ona per lens position basis, and generates an archive file via packing ofthe generated tag information and the plurality of captured images on aper lens position basis.
 15. The image display apparatus according toclaim 11, wherein the processor extracts tag information in an archivefile when at least one area in the displayed captured image is selected,acquires the plurality of captured images on a per lens position basisbased on the extracted tag information, and calculates any one capturedimage having the highest definition based on edge detection forrespective areas, corresponding to the selected area, in the pluralityof captured images on a per lens position basis.
 16. The image displayapparatus according to claim 11, wherein the display unit displays athumbnail list including a thumbnail image corresponding to the storedimage according to the image view mode, and displays any one thumbnailimage of the thumbnail list, associated with the stored image among theplurality of images on a per lens position basis based on the cameramode, in a highlighted manner.
 17. The image display apparatus accordingto claim 11, wherein the processor selects a corresponding area in anyone captured image among the plurality of captured images, which has thehighest definition or the most data in a selected area when at least onearea in the displayed captured image is selected, selects acorresponding area in each image, which has the highest definition orthe most data in another area except for the selected area, on the basisof the selected captured image, and acquires a single composite imageusing the selected corresponding areas.